Effects of Augmented Reality Functional Integrated Training (AR-FIT) on Balance and Mobility in Stroke

Summary

The present study aims to develop and validate an evidence-based functional balance task library for Augmented Reality-Functional Integrated Training (AR-FIT), incorporating standardized real-object integration through expert consensus and pilot usability testing. Furthermore, the study seeks to determine the effects of AR-FIT on balance and functional mobility in stroke survivors in comparison to conventional Augmented Reality \& task oriented training over an eight-week intervention period. In addition, it intends to evaluate participant motivation, engagement, and perceived task realism during AR-FIT using structured questionnaires and post-intervention interviews, thereby examining both clinical effectiveness and user-centered experience outcomes.

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

OTHER

Augmented Reality-Functional Integrated Training (AR-FIT) Group

Each participant will receive a standardized intervention program consisting of 24 supervised training sessions delivered over 8 consecutive weeks (3 sessions per week, approximately 45 minutes per session). All sessions will follow a structured format including a 5-7 minute warm-up phase, a 30-35 minute task-specific training phase, and a 5-6 minute cool-down period. In Augmented Reality-Functional Integrated Training (AR-FIT) Group, participants will perform structured functional balance tasks integrating augmented reality with standardized real objects (e.g., chair, step, cup, basket, Swiss ball). Exercises will target lower limb motor control, dynamic balance, trunk stability, and task-oriented mobility. The task library will consist of progressively graded functional balance tasks.

OTHER

Augmented Reality-Generic Balance Training (GBT) Group

In the AR- based Generic AR Balance Training Group, participants will undergo augmented reality-based balance training without real-object integration. The intervention will include AR-guided weight shifting, virtual stepping, diagonal reaching, trunk control tasks, and tool-based stability exercises (e.g., virtual ball reaching, wobble-board simulations). Exercises will be selected from a structured pool of balance and mobility activities and will be progressed through virtual task difficulty, speed modulation, range of motion, and repetition parameters tailored to the participant's functional level.

OTHER

Conventional Balance Training (CBT) Group

In the Conventional Training Group, participants will receive therapist-guided task-oriented balance training based on standard neurorehabilitation principles. Exercises will include sit-to-stand practice, stepping and step-up training, weight shifting, lunges, trunk rotation, reaching activities, and functional mobility drills using real objects without augmented reality support. Task selection and progression will be individualized according to the participant's baseline motor function and clinical progress, with adjustments made in task complexity, repetitions, external support, and environmental challenge.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Abrish Habib Abbasi, Phd* Rehab · Riphah International Unversity

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Max Age

70 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-03-31

Primary Completion

2027-12-20

Completion

2027-12-20

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations